Research shows that up to 94% of the general population experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts. For new mothers, these thoughts often feature fears related to causing harm to the baby or inadequacies in parenting abilities.

Importantly, in most cases these thoughts are recognised as unwanted and distressing - But what happens in cases when these thoughts escalate into more severe anxiety or obsessive compulsive symptoms?

In this episode of No Place Like Homb, Larissa welcomes back special guest, Claire Eden to share their personal experience with Perinatal OCD.

If you or someone you know needs support, speak to a trusted healthcare professional. You can also find a directory for national helplines via; pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-helpline-numbers

In this episode of No Place Homb, Larissa speaks with Doula and Naturopath, Claire Eden.

Claire (they/them) is a mum of 2 and has a wealth of experience working in the postpartum space.

Reflecting on their own experiences with maternal healthcare, Claire shares their story of family planning, conception, managing Hyperemesis Gravidarum though pregnancy; as well as their experience with home birth and supporting postpartum.

You can find out more about Claire and their work via claireeden.com.au/about/

Healthcare professionals have a unique understanding of maternity care, including both its challenges and joys. But how does this experience shape the stories of young midwives as they embark on their own motherhood journeys? In this episode of No Place Like Homb, host Larissa welcomes special guest Robynne Klyne—Nurse, Midwife, and IBCLC—to discuss her personal journey through motherhood and her experiences with maternal healthcare. Find out more about Robynne’s work and qualifications via newbiesandbewbies.com.au

Your pregnancy and birth experience have a profound impact on your postpartum recovery, as well as your ongoing mental health and wellbeing. In this episode, expert guest Dr. Perri Dyson, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, joins hosts Larissa and Kath to discuss a critical issue highlighted in the recent NSW government report on birth trauma. While the report is extensive, we’ll focus on one key theme: informed consent. This is an important topic for us at Homb—our mission is to reduce the incidence of postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA), and we know that women who experience traumatic births are at higher risk for both postnatal depression (PPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, 1 in 4 women report experiencing PTSD symptoms after birth, and 1 in 16 meet the full criteria for PTSD. In this episode, we unpack some of the key recommendations from the report aimed at reducing birth trauma and its long-term impact. https://ogcg.com.au/dr-perri-dyson/

With a record number of babies born in Australia as a result of IVF treatment, why does infertility remain such a taboo topic in our society? In this episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Claire chat with Joanna from @IVF_Mumma_tribe on Instagram, diving into the ups and downs of her fertility journey. https://www.drlynnburmeister.com.au/

Societal pressures and the unrealistic expectations we often put on ourselves to be a 'Good Mother' can create undue stress and lead to feelings of inadequacy and guilt.

In this episode of No Place Like Homb, Larissa and special guest host Jaz Flowers, discuss the social narrative that exists online perpetuating the idea that motherhood is entirely instinctual or easy for everyone.

Motherhood is a learning process, every mother's experience is unique and it's okay to ask for help and support.

Navigating new parenthood is challenging enough, but add twins into the mix, and it’s a whole new level of complexity!

In this episode of No Place Like Homb, we’re excited to welcome back special guest Caterina Mete, AKA The Red Wiggle. She joins us to share her experience preparing for the arrival of twins, as well as the unique challenges and joys of raising multiples.

https://www.amba.org.au/

https://www.thingsfortwins.com.au/

https://twinznursingpillow.com/products/twin-z-pillow

https://www.thewomens.org.au/patients-visitors/clinics-and-services/pregnancy-birth/pregnancy-care-options/multiple-birth-clinic

Growing up, we're often exposed to the idealised fairytale version of starting a family: you meet your soulmate, fall in love, get married, and have kids.

But it's 2024, and as adults, we understand that these fairytales often set unrealistic expectations for what family life actually looks like for most people. The truth is, there are countless wonderful stories of parenthood that don’t fit the conventional mould.

In this episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Claire chat with Caterina Mete, AKA The Red Wiggle, about her unique motherhood journey and the empowering choice to parent solo.

A little while ago, we asked our insta family… Why do we find it so difficult to ask for help and what were your biggest barriers to getting the support you needed in postpartum? You had a lot to say! But there were a few common themes that we discuss in this episode with Larissa and special guest host Jaz Flowers to launch our Summer Series of No Place Like Homb. World toughest job - https://youtu.be/KAHYyQE7uiw?si=bLuYxgXfsEGabLWA

Do you know what it means to be trauma aware? In this episode of No Place Like Homb, we welcome back Dusk Liney to chat more about her work, not only supporting survivors of complex trauma through the transition into motherhood, but also providing specialised training in trauma aware care to practitioners. Throughout the journey that is matrescence, a lack of clear communication and understanding from healthcare practitioners can lead to distress and re-traumatisation for survivors of complex trauma and can have long-lasting impact on postpartum recovery. Providing support that honours each individuals story and responds to their specific needs can create an environment where survivors have an opportunity to thrive. *Please note that we bring this episode to you with a trigger warning. We advise listener discretion and have provided links for resources and support services in our show notes. Find out more via ⁠duskliney.com⁠ Share and connect via ⁠deardusk.com⁠

Sexual Assault Services Victoria (formerly CASA Forum)
sasvic.org.au⁠

NASASV (National association of services against sexual violence)
nasasv.org.au/support-directory⁠

When Survivors Give Birth - Book
pennysimkin.com/shop/when-survivors-give-birth⁠

You can also find a directory for national helplines via;
⁠pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-helpline-numbers

'Matrescence' is defined as the process of becoming a mother. It's a word that describes the monumental physical, emotional and psychological changes that a person goes through in the process of becoming a mother. This transition can be challenging for anyone, but for survivors of sexual assault or complex trauma, these experiences may bring up unique and deeply personal challenges. That certainly was the case for this weeks guest, Dusk Liney. Dusk joins us on No Place Like Homb to discuss her personal experience of pregnancy, birth and postpartum as a survivor of childhood sexual assault and complex PTSD. *Please note that we bring this episode to you with a trigger waning. We advise listener discretion and have provided links for resources and support services in our show notes. Find out more via duskliney.com Share and connect via deardusk.com

Sexual Assault Services Victoria (formerly CASA Forum)
sasvic.org.au⁠

NASASV (National association of services against sexual violence)
nasasv.org.au/support-directory⁠

When Survivors Give Birth - Book
pennysimkin.com/shop/when-survivors-give-birth⁠

You can also find a directory for national helplines via;
⁠pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-helpline-numbers

Two Osteos and a pregnant lady walk into a clinic… This week on No Place Like Homb, we welcome back Dr Daniela Aiello to talk about her dedication to understanding the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. The inspiration that drove her and co-founders Ash, and Emma to create their brand Continuall - compression for motherhood. Continuall creates innovative, wearable, and supportive garments to support you on the mother of all journeys. Find out more via ⁠continuallwear.com.au⁠

This mini series was created by Ready or Not in partnership with Homb, the postpartum hotel where mothers are mothered. Across three episodes, Ready or Not host, Lucinda McKimm and Homb founder Larissa Leone, interrogate what it means to navigate motherhood and matrescence in modern Australia. 

Lu shows so much strength and vulnerability sharing her own experience as a second time mum, talking about all the things mothers may go through that are hard to talk about; moments of sadness, rage, depletion and frustration like you’ve never known before and what seeking support at Homb looked like.

While this series sets to open up the conversation of what the everyday mother goes through, if you think that you might be struggling more than that, there’s help available at https://www.cope.org.au/

No matter how educated we are and how much we think we know, sometimes the experiences you are met with through Matrescence and early motherhood can catch you off guard.

This week on No Place Like Homb, we chat with Dr Daniela Aiello about her 20 year career in Osteopathy, caring for new mothers and her own experience in pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

In this episode of No Place Like Homb, we’re thrilled to welcome back Midwife, Kelli Zakharoff. Hosts Larissa and Jess speak with Kelli about all of the joys and challenges of her career in midwifery and the major life experiences that formed the inspiration for her new book, Midwife Crisis. You can get your hands on a copy of Kelli's new book, Midwife Crisis via linktr.ee/kellizak

This week on No Place Like home, hosts Larissa and Jess welcome Kelli Zakharoff, a registered midwife with over 20 years experience working in public and private hospitals as well as private practice. Kelli shares her experience as young mum being confronted with the prospect of loosing her baby, before facing life threatening complications herself and how this unfortunate series of events lead to her following a career path that she was destined to go down.

Understanding what is ‘normal’ when it comes to caring for your baby can be challenging - everything is new, you’re navigating uncharted territory and the internet is full of myths, outdated information and old wives tales. On this episode of No Place Like Homb, we chat with Nicole Gleeson, Paediatric Nurse and Founder of Rhythm First Aid, to share information based on years of experience and evidence based research, busting the myths, unpacking the facts, alleviating fears and hopefully inspiring you to book in for that first aid course! https://rhythmfirstaid.com.au/

On this episode of No Place like Homb, Hosts Larissa and Jess welcome Nicole Gleeson, Paediatric Nurse and Founder of Rhythm First Aid, to discuss her personal postpartum experience. Nicole’s story highlights how empowering postpartum can be with the right education, support and preparation. Find out more about Nicole's work; https://rhythmfirstaid.com.au/

The postpartum period is marked by significant and dramatic hormonal, physical, social, and psychological changes that collectively influence a woman's recovery and adaptation to motherhood. Understanding these changes is crucial for both the mother’s physical and mental health and the well-being of her newborn. In this episode of No Place Like Homb, we welcome back Dr Edna Lekgabe, to help us understand the symptoms of perinatal mood disorders and what treatment may look like when intervention is required. Find out more drednalekgabe.com.au If you or someone you know needs support, speak to a trusted healthcare professional. You can also find a directory for national helplines via; pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-helpline-numbers

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? What is the role of Psychiatry in the perinatal period? When is the right time to seek psychological support? On this episode of No Place Like Homb, we welcome Dr Edna Lekgabe, Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatrist, to discuss mental health in the perinatal period and the importance of preventative care. Find out more drednalekgabe.com.auIf you need support, speak to a trusted healthcare professional. You can also find a directory for national helplines via; pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-helpline-numbers

You know that incessant, never ending and exhausting ‘to do’ list in your head that comes with managing your work, relationship, household and family?

This is The Mental Load and the load gets heavier and more complicated when you add babies and children to the list.

So, how do we manage The Mental Load?

That is the million dollar question that No Place like Homb hosts Larissa and Jess are discussing in this weeks episode.

https://www.fairplaylife.com/the-cards

Hyperemesis gravidarum refers to intractable nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, weight loss and volume depletion with severe and debilitating physical and mental impacts. There is no consensus on specific diagnostic criteria and often symptoms are dismissed or minimised due to a lack of knowledge and understanding from peers and health professionals. On this episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess welcome back Yanika Flynn to discuss her work in advocacy, education and support for survivors through Hyperemesis Australia. Yanika is working hard to help raise awareness and support Hyperemesis Australia. Every time you purchase from her online store, biglittlethings.store they donate 5% of profits to provide much needed funds to Hyperemesis Australia. The podcast, You, Me & HG is a great resource for any sufferer & survivors with HG. Check it out via youmeandhg.com

For resources and more information, visit; https://www.hyperemesisaustralia.org.au/

You can find a directory for national helplines via;

pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-helpline-numbers

You can also seek support via;

https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/

https://panda.org.au/

Have you heard of Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)? Between 2% and 10% of pregnancies are diagnosed with HG and still very little is known or understood about the condition. This week on No Place Like Homb, we welcome special guest Yanika Flynn, founder of Big Little Things and Board member at Hyperemesis Australia, to speak with hosts Larissa and Jess about her own experience with HG and how living with HG through pregnancy impacted her postpartum recovery. Yanika is working hard to help raise awareness and support Hyperemesis Australia. Every time you purchase from her online store, biglittlethings.store they donate 5% of profits to provide much needed funds to Hyperemesis Australia. The podcast, You, Me & HG is a great resource for any sufferer & survivors with HG. Check it out via youmeandhg.com https://www.mamabirth.au/ https://www.hyperemesisaustralia.org.au/

This mini series was created by Ready or Not in partnership with Homb, the postpartum hotel where mothers are mothered. Across three episodes, Ready or Not host, Lucinda McKimm and Homb founder Larissa Leone, interrogate what it means to navigate motherhood and matrescence in modern Australia. 

Lu shows so much strength and vulnerability sharing her own experience as a second time mum, talking about all the things mothers may go through that are hard to talk about; moments of sadness, rage, depletion and frustration like you’ve never known before and what seeking support at Homb looked like.

While this series sets to open up the conversation of what the everyday mother goes through, if you think that you might be struggling more than that, there’s help available at https://www.cope.org.au/

Happy Birthday to us! Our podcast, No Place Like Homb has been around for 12 months and what a year it has been! We’re so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to listen, share and engage with our content. We’ve loved speaking with all of our incredible guests and sharing their stories and knowledge with you. In this episode hosts Larissa and Jess revisit our purpose, to educate and inform and ultimately changing the way that we think about and approach postpartum care in Australia. All While working towards achieving our vision to ensure that every mother is held so profoundly that instances of Postnatal Anxiety and depression cease to exist.

Join us at the postpartum conference;

https://www.wellsupportedmotherscollective.xyz/professional-conferences

With 97% of births in Australia taking place in hospitals, we asked the question; Did you consider a home birth?

What are the key factors that are influencing our birthing preferences?

Our audience had a lot to say on the topic and in today’s episode of No Place like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess discuss your responses and consider how our birthing preferences and external influences can have a deep impact on your postpartum recovery.

Our vision for Homb is to inspire a movement, a tidal wave of support for new mothers, highlighting the essential need for support, rest and nourishment in postpartum. In this episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess discuss the pressure put on women to ‘bounce back’ after giving birth as well as what little currently exists in western culture to combat the persistent numbers of new mothers struggling to navigate symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety, with the few services that are available focusing on treatment rather than prevention. Our hope is to change the narrative, start a conversation and encourage a culture shift that values self care and acknowledges the monumental physical, psychological and emotional changes that occur and the care required for women to thrive in the journey to motherhood.

This week on No Place Like Homb, Hosts Larissa and Jess welcome back Mariya to discuss how her experience as a first time mum influenced her choices for the birth of her second child, and inspired her to support others through birth and postpartum. Mariya is a qualified paramedic, birth trauma counsellor and co founder of Village Blossom - trauma informed perinatal support.

One of the key findings from the recently released NSW Birth Trauma report was that there needs to be greater emphasis put on educating prospective parents about all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. With a lack of clear communication, understanding and recognition of trauma informed care contributing to higher rates of birth trauma and subsequent symptoms of postnatal anxiety and depression. In this episode, No Place Like Homb hosts Larissa and speak with Mariya about her personal birth experience. Mariya is a qualified paramedic, birth trauma counsellor and co founder of Village Blossom - trauma informed perinatal support.

How do you fill from an empty cup? We know about the monumental changes that a person goes through in becoming a mother, we've spoken about it so many times on this podcast. It changes you and challenges your sense of self and sometimes forces you to find strength you didn't know you had. What if, at a time when you're already going through this massive life event, you suffered an unimaginable loss? In this episode of No Place Like Homb, we welcome special guest Imren Bayram, Doula and founder of Awakening Postpartum to speak with Hosts Larissa and Jess about her experiences mothering through grief.

Well hello there, it's time for mum chat - Part 2!

This week on No Place Like Homb, we welcome back the incomparable Jaz Flowers to continue the conversation about her postpartum journey and ongoing recovery.

Well hello there, it's time for mum chat!

You may know Jaz Flowers as a powerhouse in musical theatre, more recently from her pregnancy fashion on TikTok or you may be one of the many thousands of mums reaching out on social media to say thank you for your refreshing honesty and sharing your own postpartum struggles.

This week on No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess chat with Jaz about her pregnancy, birth and the network of support she's created, unexpectedly, through sharing her experiences on social media.

Did you know that Homb is a registered not-for-profit? In this episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess share with you the details of The Homb Trust and how it supports our mission to reduce instances of Postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA). To find out more visit homb.com.au/charity

Jess Jenkins AKA The Mama Physio is on a mission to make pelvic health accessible to all. Hosts Larissa and Jess are thrilled to welcome back Jess to discuss her work as an advanced Practice Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. Starting out in sports physio before venturing into pelvic health, Jess has over 15 years of experience working in her own private practice treating a range of pelvic health disorders in both men and women. In this episode Jess shares her knowledge of the pelvic floor, pregnancy related conditions and how to support your physical body in postpartum. To find out more visit themamaphysio.com.au

Part 1 - Treading water

This mini series was created by Ready or Not in partnership with Homb, the postpartum hotel where mothers are mothered. Across three episodes, Ready or Not host, Lucinda McKimm and Homb founder Larissa Leone, interrogate what it means to navigate motherhood and matrescence in modern Australia. 

Lu shows so much strength and vulnerability sharing her own experience as a second time mum, talking about all the things mothers may go through that are hard to talk about; moments of sadness, rage, depletion and frustration like you’ve never known before and what seeking support at Homb looked like.

While this series sets to open up the conversation of what the everyday mother goes through, if you think that you might be struggling more than that, there’s help available at https://www.cope.org.au/

In this episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess welcome Jessica Jenkins, who you may know as The Mama Physio.

Jess currently works in the public and private sectors as an advanced Practice Pelvic Health Physio alongside her work as a clinical and fitness pilates instructor and is here to share her personal pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. Jess’ special interest in pre and postnatal care and her experience treating a range of pregnancy related conditions, including pelvic floor disorders has given her unique insights and prepared her for her own journey through birth and caring for herself in postpartum.

The Homb team welcomed our first guests in April and one month into the journey, we've learnt so much. Our team of care specialists have loved playing a role in nurturing and supporting the beautiful families who have stayed with us. In this episode of No Place Like Homb, Hosts Larissa and Jess discuss the journey so far and all of the challenges and successes that come with creating this wrap around service to honour the postpartum period. Providing mothers and their families with the knowledge, support and nourishment they need to truly thrive. You can find out more and book your stay now via homb.com.au/stay

When it comes to postpartum nutrition, preparation is key.

In this episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess welcome back the incredibly knowledgeable Vaughne Geary to talk about preparing for postpartum.

Vaughne is a reproductive health naturopath, certified doula and author with a wealth of experience supporting families through every stage of the reproductive journey.

Find out more at vaughnegeary.com

Knowledge is power.

In this Episode of No Place Like Homb, we welcome back Fiona, a registered nurse and midwife, to discuss the intricacies of women’s pelvic wellness.

Fiona has completed a diploma in Holistic Bodywork and works with women through pregnancy, birth and postpartum to help support pelvic health and wellness, aiming to prevent or minimise trauma to mother’s birth canal tissues and to baby.

We’re thrilled to welcome back Fiona to share her knowledge.

Find out more at https://www.thepelvicspace.com.au/

On this episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess welcome Fiona Hallinan to share her own personal Postpartum story. Starting her career in women’s health as a midwife Fiona has extensive experience supporting women and families through labour and childbirth working in both public and private birthing hospitals.

Fiona has over 30 years experience in midwifery, she is a registered nurse, maternal & child health nurse, birth educator, and bodyworker. Her work as a midwife led her to a career in Holistic Bodywork with a focus on Pelvic health and wellness.

Find out more at thepelvicspace.com.au

We spend so much time preparing to welcome a new baby, and so often fail to prepare to welcome a new mum. We asked our community, what advice would you give to first time mums to prepare for postpartum? In this episode of No Place Like Homb hosts, Larissa and Jess discuss and share all of your wonderful, insightful responses.

If we really are what we eat, then it's fair to say that diet and nutrition can have a huge impact on our experiences when starting a family. From pre-conception through pregnancy, birth and postpartum, we welcome back special guest, Vaughne Geary to chat with hosts Larissa and Jess about how to support ourselves through nutrition. Find out more about reproductive health naturopathy and the services Vaughne offers via vaughnegeary.com

This week on No Place Like Homb, Larissa and Jess welcome Vaughne Geary to discuss her personal journey and the life experiences that influenced her to build a career as a reproductive health naturopath, certified doula and Author. Vaughne shares her passion for blending modern science and current research with traditional practice to provide holistic care for her clients through every stage of the reproductive journey.

Find our more at vaughnegeary.com

On this episode of No Place Like Homb, we welcome Naomi back to talk about postpartum nutrition, food to fuel mothering and her passion project, COCOON by Naomi.

Hosts Larissa and Jess speak with Naomi about her postpartum preparation course and the importance of planning for the return to paid work after parental leave, from childcare to relationships and how best to manage the mental load and so much more.

Find out more at cocoonbynaomi.com

We welcome Naomi Chrisoulakis, a certified postpartum doula and the founder of COCOON by Naomi, on this week's episode of No Place Like Homb.

Naomi is a mother of two and passionately advocates for every woman to have a postpartum period that is restful, rejuvenating, and respectful of the profound transition that is the journey to motherhood. Naomi speaks with Larissa and Jess about her own postpartum experience. Find out more at; https://cocoonbynaomi.com/

"There comes a time when we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in."
– Desmond Tutu

This powerful quote from Desmond Tutu captures the essence of the work Amy O'Brien is doing to support women and mothers. In this episode of No Place Like Homb, Amy joins Larissa and special guest host, Robynne to explore how this philosophy shapes the model of care in her practice, Reverence Story.

https://www.junospecialists.au/

https://www.reverencestory.com/

In this weeks episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess welcome back the wonderful Dr Renee White to share some insight into the physiological and psychological benefits of self-care practices, emphasising their importance in supporting postpartum recovery and mental well-being.

Learn how self-care rituals like nutrition, exercise, and rest can aid hormonal regulation and stress reduction, promoting overall health. The discussion also highlights the significance of self-compassion in mitigating postpartum depression and anxiety.

Homb will open it's doors to our first guests on the 22nd April 2024!  In this weeks episode of No Place Like Homb, hosts Larissa and Jess provide an update on the preparation of the homb space as well as providing more detail on the vision for homb and the role of our wonderful care specialist team.

Baby Shower or Nesting Party?

Join us in this heartwarming episode as we delve into the delightful concept of nesting parties—a gathering filled with love, anticipation, and preparation for the arrival of a new baby.

From scrubbing counters to assembling furniture, we explore the joyful chaos that ensues when friends and family come together to create a warm and welcoming space for a new addition to the family.

Have you heard the term ‘cascade of intervention’? In this episode, hosts Larissa and Jess are exploring the ‘cascade of intervention’ that can happen in childbirth and how it can impact your postpartum experience. We welcome back Narelle Tunks to discuss the interconnected nature of interventions during childbirth and how one intervention can lead to another and potentially influence the entire birth experience.

This episode aims to provide valuable insights for expectant parents and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of childbirth interventions and why they are sometimes necessary.

To find support, visit; pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-helpline-numbers